Doug Gillis's artistic journey is as varied and textured as his work. Growing up in Akron, Ohio, he later found himself living across the United States and abroad, accumulating experiences and insights that would profoundly shape his creative outlook. His professional tenure as an Art Director saw him based in diverse locales such as Los Angeles, Orlando, and the Netherlands, before he eventually settled in New Mexico. This rich tapestry of geographical and cultural experiences has influenced his multifaceted approach to art.Beyond his professional roles, Gillis has dedicated decades to teaching children, focusing on the integration of science, math, and art. His pedagogical efforts highlight his belief in the interconnectedness of these disciplines, a perspective that also permeates his own artistic practice. Gillis's fascination with the mathematical and scientific underpinnings of art is evident in his work, which often reflects a deep understanding of these subjects.A lifelong student of art history, Gillis draws significant inspiration from the Bauhaus movement and non-objective art. These early influences are discernible in his own creations, which emphasize form, function, and abstraction.Gillis's artistic process is both meticulous and innovative. He uses the natural edge of glass combined with silver leaf to replicate the contours of the earth. This intricate process involves multiple firings at high temperatures in a kiln, resulting in unique, textured panels. These panels are then elevated above an anodized aluminum background, which is mounted on a hand-painted metallic frame. This technique not only enhances depth but also creates luminous reflections, adding a dynamic, almost ethereal quality to his pieces. The resulting artworks are a testament to his skill and his ability to merge art with elements of the natural world, science, and mathematics.